The Shocking Truth: Who Is Nikki Bella's Ex-Husband And The Details Of Their $200K Divorce Settlement?
The landscape of celebrity relationships is constantly shifting, and as of December 2025, the person widely known as the "husband of Nikki Bella" is officially her ex-husband. The former WWE Hall of Famer, who now goes by her married name, Nikki Garcia, finalized a high-profile and costly divorce from professional dancer Artem Chigvintsev earlier this year, marking a dramatic end to one of reality television's most beloved pairings.
This article dives deep into the life of Artem Chigvintsev, the shocking financial details of their May 2025 split, and the new dating rumors that have since surrounded the *Total Bellas* star, providing the most current and verified information available right now.
Artem Chigvintsev: Full Biography and Professional Profile
Artem Vladimirovich Chigvintsev, the former husband of Nikki Bella (now Nikki Garcia), is a highly accomplished Russian-American professional dancer. His career has spanned some of the biggest dance competition shows in the world, making him a household name long before his relationship with the WWE superstar.
- Full Name: Artem Vladimirovich Chigvintsev
- Date of Birth: June 12, 1982
- Age (as of Dec 2025): 43
- Place of Birth: Izhevsk, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union (now Russia)
- Nationality: Russian-American
- Primary Profession: Professional Latin Ballroom Dancer, Choreographer
- Notable Achievements: Winner of *Strictly Come Dancing* Series 8 (2010); Professional Dancer on *Dancing with the Stars* (DWTS) for multiple seasons.
- Relationship with Nikki Bella: Met on *Dancing with the Stars* Season 25 (2017), began dating in 2019, engaged in 2020, married in August 2022 in Paris, France, and divorced in May 2025.
- Child: Son, Matteo Chigvintsev (born July 2020)
- Previous Marriage: Married to fellow dancer Giselle Peacock (2004–2005).
Chigvintsev’s journey began in Izhevsk, where he inherited his passion for dance from his mother. He moved to the United States in 2003 to pursue his career, eventually joining the cast of the British show *Strictly Come Dancing*. His move to the US version, *Dancing with the Stars* (DWTS), is what ultimately led him to meet his future wife, Nikki Bella, when they were paired together as dance partners for Season 25 in 2017.
The Shocking May 2025 Divorce Settlement Details
The marriage between Nikki Bella and Artem Chigvintsev, which culminated in a beautiful Paris wedding in August 2022, was relatively short-lived. The couple’s split was finalized in May 2025, sending shockwaves through the entertainment world, especially given the public nature of their relationship on the reality series *Total Bellas* and *The Bellas Podcast*.
The most surprising aspect of the separation was the financial arrangement, which saw the former WWE star making significant payments to the professional dancer. This arrangement highlights the complexities of celebrity divorce settlements, particularly when one partner has a substantially higher net worth.
The $200,000 Lump Sum Payment
According to reports, as part of the final divorce settlement officially agreed upon in May 2025, Nikki Garcia was ordered to pay Artem Chigvintsev a $200,000 lump sum. This substantial payment was a key component in finalizing the dissolution of their marriage. While representatives for both parties have largely remained silent on the specifics, the figure confirms a major financial settlement was reached.
Child Support and Joint Custody of Matteo
The couple shares one son, Matteo Chigvintsev, who was born in July 2020. Despite the end of their marriage, both Nikki and Artem have prioritized their co-parenting relationship. The final agreement included a provision for joint custody of their son. Additionally, Nikki was ordered to pay Artem monthly child support to ensure Matteo’s well-being and consistent standard of living across both households. They have reportedly worked out a detailed schedule, including dividing major holidays evenly, trading off each year to maintain stability for their child.
From John Cena to Cooper DeJean: Nikki Garcia’s Current Relationship Status
Nikki Bella’s romantic life has always been a subject of intense media scrutiny, dating back to her highly publicized and long-term engagement to WWE superstar John Cena. Following her divorce from Artem Chigvintsev, the speculation about her next partner has reached a fever pitch, especially in late 2025.
The Cooper DeJean Dating Rumors
Toward the end of 2025, rumors began swirling that Nikki Garcia was dating NFL player Cooper DeJean. DeJean is a defensive standout and rookie for the Philadelphia Eagles, and the speculation ignited after the 42-year-old WWE star was seen spending time with the much younger NFL player in Philadelphia. The buzz was immediate and widespread, linking the sports entertainment icon to one of the newest rising stars in professional football.
Nikki’s Denial on *The Nikki and Brie Show*
However, Nikki Garcia was quick to shut down the rumors. Speaking on her SiriusXM podcast, *The Nikki and Brie Show*, she directly addressed the speculation. Nikki firmly stated that she was not dating Cooper DeJean, or anyone else for that matter. In a candid moment, she revealed that she has not been intimate or even kissed anyone "in a long time," effectively crushing the dating buzz and confirming that she is currently focused on her new life as a single mother and her career, rather than a new high-profile romance.
The revelation underscores that while the public may be eager to see the former Bella Twin move on, Nikki Garcia is taking her time to navigate her post-divorce life. Her focus remains on co-parenting Matteo, her business ventures, and her career, which continues to thrive long after her retirement from the wrestling ring.
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